Harker honoured by board

‘People are going to miss you’

SYDNEY — John Harker, the outgoing president and vice-chancellor of Cape Breton University, was honoured at what was his final board of governors meeting on Friday.

Board chair Hayes MacNeil said Harker had set the bar so high, that those who will follow might find it difficult to live up to the board’s expectations.

Harker is the university’s fifth president and will be leaving his position at the end of March. He will be replaced by incoming president David Wheeler.

MacNeil said he had close relationships with all the former presidents and had no problem saying that Harker had made a major difference to the university.

“I have no hesitancy in saying that he made a tremendous contribution to this university during the 10 years that he spent here,” said MacNeil. “He has set the standard of what a president should be and raised the bar of what we think a president should be.”

MacNeil said that Harker and his wife, Eunice, would be missed because of their service to the university community.

“People are going to miss you and we’d love to have you back but you’re going on to a new stage in your life. On behalf of the board, we would like to wish you all the best in your future endeavours.”

Harker was also honoured Friday evening at a gala at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre.

“You did your job well,” said MacNeil. “And it’s not just about buildings. Everything you’ve done for us, you have done well.”